Travel insurance. Make sure you’re ready for anything

Before You Go

Recommended Vaccinations

It is important to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations, however Greece requires no additional vaccines.

Health Insurance

If you're an EU citizen, a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers you for most medical care but not emergency repatriation or nonemergencies. Citizens from other countries should find out if there is a reciprocal arrangement for free medical care between their country and Greece. If you do need health insurance, make sure you get a policy that covers you for the worst possible scenario, such as an accident requiring an emergency flight home. Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures.

Worldwide travel insurance is available at www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-insurance. You can buy, extend and claim online anytime – even if you're already on the road.

In Greece

Availability & Cost of Health Care

Although medical training is of a high standard in Greece, the public health service is badly underfunded. Hospitals can be overcrowded, hygiene is not always what it should be, and relatives are expected to bring in food for the patient – which can be a problem for a traveller. Conditions and treatment are much better in private hospitals, which are expensive. All this means that a good health-insurance policy is essential.

If you need an ambulance in Greece call 166 or 112.

There is at least one doctor on every island, and larger islands have hospitals.

Pharmacies can dispense medicines that are available only on prescription in most European countries.

Consult a pharmacist for minor ailments.

Environmental Hazards

The only dangerous snake in Greece is the viper (also known as the common European viper). To minimise the possibilities of being bitten, always wear boots, socks and long trousers when walking through undergrowth where snakes may be present.

Mosquitoes can be an annoying problem, though there is no danger of contracting malaria. Electric mosquito-repellent devices are usually sufficient to keep the insects at bay at night. Choose accommodation that has fly-screen on the windows wherever possible.

The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) can be a voracious daytime biter and is known to carry several viruses, including Eastern equine encephalitis, which can affect the central nervous system and cause severe complications and death. Use protective sprays or lotion if you suspect you are being bitten during the day.

Tap Water

Tap water is drinkable and safe in most of Greece but not always in small villages and on some of the islands. Always ask locally if the water is safe and, if in doubt, drink boiled or bought water. Even when water is safe, the substances and bacteria in it may be different from those you are used to and occasionally, can cause vomiting or diarrhoea. Bottled water is widely available, but think about the environmental considerations when you opt for bottled over potable tap water.

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